Rangers and Celtic chasing Neil Danns

RANGERS could face a late counter-bid from arch-rivals Celtic in the fight to land Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns.

Rangers could face a late counter-bid from arch-rivals Celtic for Neil Danns []

The 28-year-old Scouser is weighing up his options after letting his contract expire at Selhurst Park – and both halves of the Old Firm are now pondering a move.

Rangers gaffer Ally McCoist is keen to add new players to his squad in the next week and Danns has come highly recommended from former Scotland and Palace gaffer George Burley.

But Express Sport has learned that Celtic too are looking to cover their options in the middle of the park with Israeli star Beram Kayal still negotiating a new deal and attracting interest from Bolton as well as La Liga duo Valencia and Espanyol.

Neil Lennon has shown he’s not afraid to look to the English Championship to unearth gems – and did just that last season with the signing of Kris Commons from Derby County and Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper.

Neil is aware of the chat about interest from Scotland

Last night Danns’ agent Derek Green admitted: “Neil is aware of the chat about interest from Scotland and he wouldn’t dismiss the possibility if the offer was right for him and his family.

“For Neil it’s not all about finance and Rangers have the ability to offer Champions League football which appeals to any player with ambitions in the game.

“I must stress that there has been no dialogue yet, but its early yet in the summer and Neil will look at all his options when they are presented before making a choice.”

Danns scored eight goals in 38 appearances for Palace last season, but has chosen to move on.

Having started his career at Blackburn Rovers, the former Liverpool academy kid then switched to Colchester United before sealing a £500,000 move to Birmingham City in 2006. Former Scotland chief Burley reckons his former player could be a smash in the SPL – just like Hoops ace Commons.

The ex-Palace manager admitted: “Neil is an excellent pro who can play anywhere across the middle of the park.

“When you talk about the kind of impact he could make in Scotland I see what Commons has done for Celtic on the goals front and that’s definitely what Neil can offer.”